12.  Attitude.  I would hire attitude over any other characteristic.  Give me a person that has a willing spirit and a positive attitude and we can provide instruction for the skills required.  (in most cases)  A person with a great attitude brings harmony and joy into the day to day activities of the workplace while a person with a negative at

11.  Team. There is no question that no other critical factor, system, or protocol in your practice can work effectively if you don't have a great team working together to accomplish the goals that have been established for your practice. 

Just as there are things we've found that don't work well, we've also identified things that are effective! So, try implementing these in a consistent manner. While these may seem like common sense or you might find them to resemble each other, there is valid research and years of experience that we are sparing you in the explanation.

It may seem like the ever elusive question: how do I find the right people and keep them happy and productive? But, it is possible and, with some thought, focus and careful action, you can refine this until it truly is a mastered skill.

Over the years, I have studied stress control as it relates to the dental profession. It has been my goal to introduce and support communicative, management, and personnel systems that provide "preventive management":  management that leads to not only productivity and profitability but also to the control of stress.

You try each day to be your best, but who really defines your success? You? Other members of the dental team? The dentist or dentists? Spend a moment with me to consider how to be not only a good hygienist, but the dream hygienist through the eyes of your patients. After all, their trust in you may make all the difference in your success and the success of your practice!

Characteristics of a Productive Team

A great team consists of a group of leaders working cohesively toward a common set of goals. Do the characteristics listed below describe your dental team?

• The right team members
• Positive attitude
• Ability to work with different personality styles
• Clear sense of mission/purpose

I have attended what feels like thousands of baseball games throughout my children's formative years.  I LOVE baseball.  I know, I know - golf is great, tennis is terrific, but baseball - is the BEST!  It is truly a team sport.